Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 2018 period drama Padmaavat is still remembered for its grandeur and powerful performances. While Ranveer Singh’s portrayal of Alauddin Khilji received widespread acclaim, few may know that Shah Rukh Khan was initially considered for the role. Rumors from the time suggested that Khan had been approached for the part but opted out of the film, reportedly after requesting a change in the title. Sources at the time claimed he believed his fans might not resonate with a film that carried the name of the female lead.
Fan Theory Connects SRK’s Past Interview to His Decision
Recently, a resurfaced video interview of Shah Rukh Khan with film critic Anupama Chopra has rekindled the discussion around his decision. Shared by Twitter user @thoughtsofshah with the caption “the real reason,” the video features Khan opening up about his discomfort with portraying morally questionable characters on screen. In the interview, he said, “I realised that I am playing a real-life character and I told this the director that there is no way I will not make him likeable… and I just felt that the person should not be liked.”
Although Khan did not name any particular film, fans online quickly speculated that this might be the underlying reason he let go of the role of Alauddin Khilji—a historically controversial figure often portrayed with shades of cruelty.
Audience Reactions Reinforce the Theory
Social media users found the theory convincing and began drawing their own conclusions. One fan commented, “He explained his reason so perfectly,” while another wrote, “That’s why we loved him as Don,” suggesting that Khan’s careful consideration in selecting roles is part of what makes him appealing to audiences. The interview dates back to 2017, just a year before Padmaavat was released, further fueling speculation.
Following Shah Rukh Khan’s reported exit, the role of Khilji was handed to Ranveer Singh, who went on to deliver a dark and intense performance that became one of the film’s highlights. Singh starred alongside Deepika Padukone and Shahid Kapoor in the film, which is based on Malik Muhammad Jayasi’s epic poem Padmavat.
Though Khan never directly addressed Padmaavat in his interview, the resurfaced footage has added depth to public understanding of his career choices.
Fan Theory Connects SRK’s Past Interview to His Decision
Recently, a resurfaced video interview of Shah Rukh Khan with film critic Anupama Chopra has rekindled the discussion around his decision. Shared by Twitter user @thoughtsofshah with the caption “the real reason,” the video features Khan opening up about his discomfort with portraying morally questionable characters on screen. In the interview, he said, “I realised that I am playing a real-life character and I told this the director that there is no way I will not make him likeable… and I just felt that the person should not be liked.”
Although Khan did not name any particular film, fans online quickly speculated that this might be the underlying reason he let go of the role of Alauddin Khilji—a historically controversial figure often portrayed with shades of cruelty.
Audience Reactions Reinforce the Theory
Social media users found the theory convincing and began drawing their own conclusions. One fan commented, “He explained his reason so perfectly,” while another wrote, “That’s why we loved him as Don,” suggesting that Khan’s careful consideration in selecting roles is part of what makes him appealing to audiences. The interview dates back to 2017, just a year before Padmaavat was released, further fueling speculation.
Following Shah Rukh Khan’s reported exit, the role of Khilji was handed to Ranveer Singh, who went on to deliver a dark and intense performance that became one of the film’s highlights. Singh starred alongside Deepika Padukone and Shahid Kapoor in the film, which is based on Malik Muhammad Jayasi’s epic poem Padmavat.
Though Khan never directly addressed Padmaavat in his interview, the resurfaced footage has added depth to public understanding of his career choices.
You may also like
IPL 2025: Mohammed Shami is not looking good right now, says Aakash Chopra
Woman killed as bomb she was carrying explodes in her hands in Greece
India bans Pakistani-flagged ships at Indian ports amid rising tensions after Pahalgam attack
Trailer of Guru Randhawa new film blends action with heartfelt emotions
CRPF's DG is more powerful or CISF's DG, know whose salary is higher?
